Guy Lyon Playfair

Guy Lyon Playfair (1935-2018) was a British journalist and paranormal researcher best known for his investigations of alleged poltergeist cases and psychic phenomena. His most notable work centered on the Enfield Poltergeist case of 1977-1979, which he documented in his book "This House is Haunted" (1980). During his years living in Brazil, Playfair conducted extensive research into psychic surgery and Brazilian spiritual practices, publishing several books including "The Flying Cow" (1975) and "The Indefinite Boundary" (1976). He served as a council member of the Society for Psychical Research and worked alongside respected paranormal investigators like Maurice Grosse. His research methods and detailed documentation style earned him recognition within paranormal research circles, though his work remained controversial among skeptics. Playfair authored eleven books throughout his career, covering topics ranging from twin telepathy to metal bending phenomena. The Enfield Poltergeist case, which involved reported supernatural activity in a North London council house, became his most enduring legacy and has inspired various media adaptations. His investigative work on this case spanned over a year and included hundreds of recorded audio tapes of alleged paranormal events.

Readers trust Playfair's research credentials and documentation, particularly in "This House is Haunted" about the Enfield poltergeist case. They cite his detailed witness accounts and measured presentation of evidence. Reviewers appreciate his first-hand observations and balanced reporting style that presents both paranormal claims and potential natural explanations. Multiple readers note his restraint from sensationalizing events. Common criticisms include repetitive writing, slow pacing, and occasional disorganized structure. Some readers find his twin telepathy theories in "Twin Telepathy" unconvincing or lacking scientific rigor. Ratings: Amazon: - This House is Haunted: 4.4/5 (288 reviews) - Twin Telepathy: 4.1/5 (42 reviews) Goodreads: - This House is Haunted: 3.9/5 (595 ratings) - The Flying Cow: 3.7/5 (31 ratings) - Twin Telepathy: 3.6/5 (47 ratings) Most reader comments focus on his Enfield poltergeist research, which they consider well-documented but sometimes dry in presentation.

This House Is Haunted (1980) Investigation of the Enfield Poltergeist case, documenting unexplained events in a North London council house between 1977-1979.

Twin Telepathy (1999) Examination of scientific research and case studies regarding apparent psychic connections between twins.

The Flying Cow (1975) Documentation of Brazilian psychic phenomena and paranormal research, including studies of medium Chico Xavier.

If This Be Magic (1985) Analysis of metal-bending phenomena and other claimed paranormal abilities, with focus on Uri Geller and Matthew Manning.

The Indefinite Boundary (1976) Study of psychic healing in Brazil, featuring cases from spiritual hospitals and psychic surgeons.

The Cycles of Heaven (1978) Investigation of cosmic influences on human behavior and biological rhythms.

New Clothes for Old Souls (2006) Examination of reincarnation cases and research, particularly focusing on children's past-life memories.

Chico Xavier, Medium of the Century (2010) Biography of Brazilian medium Francisco Cândido Xavier and documentation of his psychic phenomena.

The Unknown Power (1985) Collection of cases and research regarding psychokinetic phenomena and poltergeist activity.